A way to a better self

[Elvinos2003]

Planet Crete / Heraklion / Fortaleza de Elysion

It was a windy day when she made her way to Fortaleza de Elysion, one of the headquarters of The Brotherhood. The wind lifted dust into the air, forming a thick, swirling cloud. Visibility was poor, making the walk all the more difficult. With only her hood for protection, she had to cover her nose and mouth with her right arm to prevent the dust from entering her lungs and throat.

She kept in mind what the veteran had told her about what she needed to do if she wanted to kick some pilots' rears in The Deterrence, but first, she had to handle something within The Brotherhood. Even though she had been away for a while, she remained attentive to what was happening through the neural net. And then there was that announcement from Canal-Uno. She had watched the preview of the so-called movie, and when she saw that they had cast someone else in her role, she found it not only ridiculous but also infuriating. Her title had been butchered.

She pushed the doors open with both hands, and a rusty creak echoed through the space—a sound that could alert anyone nearby. Several Corsairs turned their heads toward the entrance of the building. Murmurs and whispers spread before Nina raised her head—then silence. The door behind her closed with a heavy thud, and as she lifted her hood, the Corsairs standing there looked on, shocked and surprised to see her.

''Oh-ho...'' a man muttered. Another added: ''What are we going to do...? Will she yell at us..?''

Nina let out a quiet sigh and continued on her way, mostly ignoring the effect her presence had on her fellow Corsairs. Her walking pace was steady. Along the walls, she noticed portraits of past Elders and heroes of The Brotherhood. Her gaze locked onto the portrait of Senior Pepe Ladron.

''I wonder what happened to you... I suppose you retired for good. I can't even remember the last time I saw you...''

She then spotted portraits of Alberto Rodriguez, Cesar Gutierrez, and finally, one she had never seen before—Juanez Gonzalez Perez Aguilar Garcia De la Santa Maria Buonocore, better known as El Presidente.

There was something unsettling about looking at this portrait. Hate? Dislike? One thing was certain—she did not like the beard. It was too long and far too voluminous for her taste.

''I don’t know you, but—your face screams 'punch me'...''

She muttered to herself as she resumed walking, heading toward the room where the Elders usually gathered to handle paperwork. She pushed the door open and was met with a surprising sight—a new type of decor. It was most likely the work of Juanez Gonzalez Perez Aguilar Garcia De la Santa Maria Buonocore. Even the spot where she used to sit had been redecorated. The Crimson Queen approached her previous desk and, with little hesitation, swept aside the unnecessary trinkets cluttering what once belonged to Cesar Gutierrez.

''I swear... this is so unnecessary. All this decoration—for what? To make the room look 'pretty'? What a waste… I clearly need to put some order around here.''

Then, she remembered that Cesar had responded to her last message, something she had yet to address. She paused for a moment, lost in thought.

''I need to tell him I’m back… No… maybe something more extraordinary. Perhaps some news about what I intend to do... I don't know.'' Suddenly, she heard the door opening up behind which got her attention. She looked abover her right shoulder a moment before to turn on herself and face the door. She then crossed her arms under her chest, waiting to see who was the person.

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